Winovich among Patriots rookies ready to make their debuts Sunday

Friday

On Sunday, several Patriots rookies will suit up and most likely make their NFL debuts.

FOXBOROUGH — Chase Winovich grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. He went to high school in Jefferson Hills, Penn., which is about a 40-minute drive to see the Pittsburgh Steelers play at Heinz Field.

On Sunday, the Patriots rookie will suit up and likely make his NFL debut against his hometown team. He said that it was easy for most of his family to trade in their yellow terrible towels for Patriots gear dressed in white red and nautical blue.

"I’d see a couple people from my hometown publicly display this dilemma between having to root for the Steelers and having a neighbor or friend or high school teammate also play for the Patriots," Winovich said. "There’s a bit of a conundrum for them."

If all goes well, Winovich will have most of the Jefferson Hills community behind him. The edge rusher is one of eight rookies who could make their NFL debuts on Sunday. This summer, the Patriots 2019 rookie class stood out in terms of depth. This year’s talented Patriots squad could see impacts from a handful of rookies with Winovich being one.

"I’m anxious in a sense, but at the same time, it’s just football," Winovich said. "I’ve been doing it for so long at this point that I’m confident in my preparation as you should be. I’m looking forward to the opportunity. Whatever role I may have on Sunday."

This preseason, Winovich looked better than your average third-round pick. In three games, the 24-year-old made 2.5 sacks and 11 tackles. His performance was so dominating, he quickly ascended up the Patriots depth chart. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Winovich played a solid role this week against Pittsburgh.

Winovich may not be the only Pats rookie to see the field.

In the team's final preseason game, cornerback JoeJuan Williams displayed his versatility by playing safety during the entire contest. At 6-foot-3, Williams already has great size and it’ll be interesting to see how the Patriots handle his role with their deep secondary. In the second preseason game, against Tennessee, Williams played against the Titans starting receivers and came away with two deflections. He played well against the New York Giants, as a safety, as well.

The defense is rounded out by fifth-round pick, Byron Cowart, who made 1.5 sacks this preseason. The rookie made the team over veteran Mike Pennell and is one of four defensive tackles on the 53-man roster. On offense, the Patriots have rookies Damien Harris, Jarrett Stidham, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski.

Harris dealt with a wrist/thumb injury for most of camp. The one full preseason game he played in, the third rounder ran for 80 yards (5.7 yards per carry) and caught four passes for 23 yards.

Both undrafted free agents, Meyers and Olszewski represented the two biggest rookie surprises this summer. Meyers was one of the best Patriots receivers this summer. He hauled in 20 receptions for 253 yards and two touchdowns this preseason. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him catching passes from Tom Brady on Sunday.

Olszewski was one of the best punt returners this preseason. Averaging 13.1 yards per punt return. The former Division II defensive back also lined up at cornerback, running back and receiver for the Patriots.

"It has sunk in, I had to go practice," Olszewski said. "I’ve got a job to do now, so I don’t have time to sit back and think about it – like wow, I’m an NFL player. I have a job now. That’s the way I look at it."

Stidham’s performance was so inspiring that he beat out veteran Brian Hoyer for the top backup job. This fourth rounder could be the heir apparent to Brady. On special teams, fifth-rounder Jake Bailey beat out punter Ryan Allen for a roster spot.

These rookies know the journey starts now, but they’re off to a good start.

"I feel like there’s a long way to go for us," Williams said. "I’m happy for the things that we did do, but still, there’s a long way to go for us. There’s a learning curve for us all, but I’m happy."

Mark Daniels writes for the Providence Journal of GateHouse Media.

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